$19.99/3 Months Voom or New Sub Special Confusion?

[bookwalk]

After so many phone calls, pamphlets, dealer info, I am trying to find out the truth behind the $19.99/3 months offer as follows:

Dealer/Voom website say $19.99/month for 180 for first 3 months.

Dealer says, after 3 months, to downgrade to Top 60, you pay only $5.

But fine print on a website or pamphlet says that, if you commit to this for a year (which we have to do to get the special from a dealer), AND, after 3 months, you downgrade, you are subject to a Downgrade penalty of $20/month or $240 for the rest of the committment period???

When they went to order the programming, 2 options came up, $19.99/month for Top 60 and $19.99/month for Top 180.

Well, who wouldn't choose the Top 180? Why is there the Top 60 option then?

If that downgrade penalty of $240 applies, where can I send the dealer for the final/definitive Dish policy on this?

 

[ScottChez]

Just call in on the 1-800 number to make sure you got all the facts.

If you dont get the facts, ask to talk to a SR CSR or someone in the Executive office (where the SR SR CSR trainers live).

Use the www.dishnetwork.com corporate web site for the number.

Also see this thread on avoiding the Activation fee when you call in.

http://www.satelliteguys.us/showthread.php?t=66721&page=6

Its towards the end of page 6

 

[gutter]

You really need to dial the special number for former Voomer's. They are the ohly ones that know. Don't call the regular DISH number or any number that ends in DISH. I had no problem. Calling a dealer will not get you the same offer.

 

[SimpleSimon]

The downgrade penalty should only apply if you drop below AT60.

THAT is what triggers a chargeback to the retailer.

 

[Titan_Wireless]

Bookwalk,
Are you on the east cost? There is a special for 19.99 for customers in NJ,NY,CT,PA only. That might be why you have 2 options for 19.99??

 

[kcribb1]

$19.99 deal

1st 3 months are $19.99. if you go past 3 month, you are locked in the full 180 channel price. if you change plans, you are accessed a $5 fee. if, after the 3 months you decide to subscribe to anything less than 60 channels, you will be charged a $240.00.

 

[CDH]

if, after the 3 months you decide to subscribe to anything less than 60 channels, you will be charged a $240.00.

Actually isn't the $240 prorated at $20/month? The cost to release from the contract after three months of the 180 program would be $180. This would be to drop to less than the minimum programming package (say an HD-only setup or eveing dropping Dish entirely). That could be worthwhile if one doesn't watch any of the SD programming and could save the minimum $31.99/month for the AT 60 program (more for 120 or 180).

CDH.